Wildling

~~~Third Person POV~~~

She glanced around furiously for her mate. “Jaxson!” She screamed out. A groaning met her ears as she spun around quickly. Jaxson limped towards her with his arm wrapped around his stomach.

She sprinted towards him, as she got closer, he dropped his blood-stained arm to capture her in a hug.

“Oh my god.” She sobbed into his arms as he clutched her. “You’re ok.” He pulled back just enough to crash his lips to hers. Neither one caring for a second that the rest of the pack looked on.

Their lips molded perfectly together as they always did. They were made for each other. Jaxson cupped Ember’s cheek as she wrapped her arms firmly around his neck, their lips caressing one another. Jaxson’s tongue swept briefly along her bottom lip before he backed off to look in his loves’ eyes.

“I’m ok. Just got a stab to the gut. I’ll be fine.” She looked at him with worry and lifted his shirt to look. A decent size gash lay across his abdomen. It was wide and deep but not life threatening. The bleeding had already stopped, and the skin was beginning to knit back together. It was wide enough to leave a scar, but he would live. She closed her eyes and huffed a breath of relief.

“I’m so proud of you baby. You did it.” Jaxson smiled softly as he noticed the tears in Ember’s eyes threatening to fall. She took a moment to look around her, confirming to herself that it truly was ended.

“It’s over.” She whispered softly, more to herself than to anyone else.

The warriors began to pile the bodies to burn. Not wanting the hassle of burying them. Some of Dimitri’s pack members who were not loyal to him, braved the outdoors to come see what happened. Ember took note of all the curious gazes locking on her. Some of them were original pack members who recognized her.

She could see their eyes light up in recognition. Followed swiftly by pity and even disgust with some. Jaxson tensed beside her as he saw that particular expression. Ember was having none of it. Anger bubbled up in her chest. They had no right to act disgusted by her. After everything she endured, she came out stronger.

She marched with a steady, confident gait to Dimitri’s broken body. Gasps were heard as she wrenched his head from his shoulders. She stomped back towards his pack members and tossed the head at their feet.

“Here is your Alpha.” She gritted out. Murmurs spread amongst them as his head rolled towards them; his dead, red eyes staring into space. They looked towards their savior. Most of them thanking the heavens that she came. The few others still disgusted by the fact that she was related to Dimitri and weren’t sure if they should trust her. They couldn’t fathom what he had put her through. Had they known; they wouldn’t be so quick to judge.

“This pack is now disbanded.” She looked towards Sean for permission which he nodded in return. “Those of you who wish to join Bloodmoon can; but heed my words. If you say a single, disrespectful thing towards me or my family. You will be so far out on your ass you won’t be able to walk straight.” Ember didn’t wait for a response before walking away.

Sean and Ash followed her, walking a little way off before embracing her into a hug. She sighed in happiness at how much her life had changed. She now has friends and family who care for her. Never again will she be alone. Her thoughts quickly drifted to what Aoralia had said earlier.

“So... what should we do?” Sean interrupted her thoughts before she could fully comprehend everything. She shook her head from her daze and glanced at him.

She knew what he was talking about. He was an alpha. But so was she. And now this pack had no leader. Jaxson glanced at her quickly, wondering what she would choose. He didn’t want to move, but for her he would.

“I have already disbanded the pack. If you would be willing Sean, you can use the pack lands for whatever purpose you wish with the knowledge that once of age, my brother can take alpha position and start his own pack.” Sean beamed at her.

“I can do that. I can also help train Alex for the position.”

“That would be much appreciated. I know certain things about leading a pack but that only goes so far.” Ember was thankful to have such a good friend.

Jaxson was beyond elated. He couldn’t have imagined leaving his home, especially with what he had been planning for his mate. It would have been difficult moving it all. He watched his mate. She was a natural born leader and part of him wondered if giving it up is what she truly wanted.

‘Silly mate. My place is with you.’ Jaxson’s eyes whipped to hers. Her eyebrow was raised, and a small smirk played on her lips. He chuckled, shaking his head.

‘And my place is with you. I will follow you wherever your heart leads.’ She smiled at his words, knowing that he wanted assurance that she didn’t want to be an alpha.

‘My heart will always lead to you. I could care less about being an alpha. I was never one for rankings.’ It was true. While she knew that the pack benefited from having a leader, she hated rankings of other pack members. There was too much separation. The lines blur and people begin to feel entitled.

🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺🐺

The night was long and arduous. Ember’s bones were weary when she and Jaxson finally reached the Bloodmoon pack house.

The door slammed open, a teenage boy and a wolf sprinted from it as they threw themselves at the weary couple.

“You’re ok!” Alex threw himself into his sister’s arms as she chuckled, spinning them around. Accalia yipped and licked their faces in happiness. Jaxson laughed, nudging her away. Happy that his family was ok. He looked behind the hugging siblings towards the door. His mother stood with her hands over her heart and tears dripping down her face as his father hugged her close to his side. He walked over to embrace them, making sure they knew he was ok.

“Son. Did everything go as planned?” He was still upset with his father for going along with Ember. But he can’t stay mad. Ember would have done it regardless of who was or wasn’t helping.

“Yeah. Everything went as expected. It’s over now.” Right now, all Jax wanted was to go to bed and sleep with his mate in his arms. He turned around to see the siblings whispering and giggling together. His brows furrowed as they kept casting glances towards him.

“What are you two up to?” He questioned. They giggled and replied nothing. “If it’s nothing then let’s go to bed. I’m beat!” He yawned loudly as if proving his point. Ember entwined her hand in his as they headed upstairs. Alex disappeared before they entered the apartment and Jaxson was too tired to wonder where he went.

Ember sat him at the edge of the bed and kissed him softly, helping undress him. Once he slipped from his shirt and pants, Jaxson stood to help her. He slowly peeled off every piece of clothing she wore. Once she was bare before him, he turned her around gently. Dipping his head, he laid kisses to every new scar that graced her body.

Tears sprung to her eyes at his soft caresses. She could never get over how he could take something so bad and make it beautiful. She turned around and planted a kiss on his stomach, where his new scar marred his skin. Jaxson wrapped his arms around Ember and tucked them both into bed.

They both soon fell asleep in the warmth and comfort of each other’s arms. Ember’s dreams, finally not of past nightmares, but of future experiences. The child that now blessed her body running about the house squealing in laughter as her daddy chases her. A smile graces Ember’s sleeping face.

The next morning Ember awoke before Jaxson. She turned in his arms to face him, gently brushing his bangs away from his eyes. He looked so content. She wonders how he will take the news. Her hands went down to rest on her stomach.

He’s going to be so happy. I can’t wait to see what Ares thinks!

Aoralia. You’ve been quiet.

I’ve been resting. My body and spirit have been strengthening to protect our child growing within us. The bond first forms with me which is why I know we are pregnant and why Jaxson does not know yet. He should be able to scent it in another two weeks.

Our pup. My hands caress my belly as Aoralia purrs in contentment.

She gently got out of bed and dressed to go downstairs. Her brother was overjoyed that he would be an uncle soon. She told him first so he could help her plan. He went to the store yesterday for supplies. A soft knock at the door sounded and Alex poked his head through. He handed her a bag while she had Accalia join him for the second part of the surprise. He winked before disappearing again.

She chuckled and got to work. Whipping up breakfast, she made sure to make enough bacon to rouse Jaxson from his slumber. The man did love his meat.

“Something smells good.” Her body lit up in warm embers at hearing his husky morning voice. He appeared behind her, placing a kiss to her shoulder as he wrapped his arms around her. He hummed and she felt his body relax against hers.

“I’ve missed you. I’m still mad at you, you know. But it feels so good having you in my arms again.” Her spirits dropped slightly. She knew he’d be mad.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t think of another way.”

“You could have talked with me Em. We could have made a plan together.” She turned her head slightly and gave him an incredulous look.

“Jaxson you know that would never have worked. You would have shot down every plan that had me remotely close to danger.” He slumped and sighed.

“I know.” She turned in his arms to face him. Raising up on her toes a bit, she softly kissed him. Pouring her love for him into it as her lips moved against his. His arms tightened around her and his tongue swiped against her lower lip. She gladly opened and his tongue slipped in to stroke against hers. She moaned softly followed by his soft growl as his grip tightened again. She pecked his lips a few more times before smiling and turning back around to avoid burning the breakfast.

“I love you. Never forget that Jax. I know you don’t approve of how I went about everything, but it’s behind us now. Plus, you know, I was right.” She smirked as he huffed out an exasperated breath. “Let’s eat.”

Once they had finished their breakfast, Ember linked her brother telling him it was time. She took their dishes to the sink and retrieved a hidden box, rolling it around in her hands as her nerves began increasing. How would he take this? Would he be ok with how she tells him? What if-

Her thoughts ceased as Jaxson cupped her cheeks, staring intently into her eyes with a questioning, concerned gaze.

“Em what’s wrong. I can feel your anxiety.” She turned from him, taking a few steps away before turning around again. She took a deep breath and released it.

“I don’t know how to say this so I’m just going to do it.” Ember pulled out the small box in her hand holding it in view. Jaxson’s eyebrows furrowed as she got down on one knee. Now he was thoroughly confused. He knew proposing was a human tradition, but he thought it was usually by the man.

“Ember what are you-” Ember have him a warning look to shut the hell up.

“Jax. I love you so much. I never want to be away from you again because that was hell. I want a future with you in my arms. You are my life and I hope you will be ok with how I went about this. So....” She took a deep breath as she began to open the box. “Will you do me the honor.... of being called daddy?” The box opened to reveal a pacifier ring. He gazed blankly at her for a moment, not sure he understood or rather afraid he might be thinking the wrong thing.

“What?” His voice so soft she barely heard it. She stood up smiling and let out a sharp whistle. The door opened briefly to Accalia walking through. A blue and a pink balloon tied to her tail and a sign hung around her neck. I’m going to be a big sister! Her tongue lolling out of her mouth in a goofy smile. She looked so proud. Jaxson read the sign over and over again.

His shocked eyes met Ember’s glossy ones. His mouth was gaping. Her smile was so wide it was almost breaking her face.

“Are you serious?!” His voice broke. She simply nodding, to choked up to form words. Tears were now rolling down her cheeks. Jaxson’s face lit up in a smile as he whooped and swept her into his arms, twirling her around as she giggled. He stopped and cupped her cheeks. A tear fell from his eye as he kissed her desperately.

“I love you so much Ember. How is this possible?” Ember shrugged, unsure herself.

“I must have healed.” Jaxson kissed her once more before kneeling in front of her. He lifted her shirt and placed soft kisses against her stomach. Her eyes welled up all over again at his gesture.

“Our pup.”